Transparent molding composition

ABSTRACT

A polyamide molding composition which can be used for production of a printable or printed item contains a) at most 90 parts by weight of a polyamide obtained from a lactam or from an amino carboxylic acid having at least 10 carbon atoms; and b) from 10 to 100 parts by weight of PA1010, wherein a total of components a) and b) is 100 parts by weight.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a transparent molding compositioncomprising a polyamide blend and being suitable for production oftransparent, printable items.

2. Description of the Related Art

The current standard process for decoration of external areas onautomobiles is painting. However, this procedure firstly generates highmanufacturing costs, resulting from provision of specific plant and theoperating cost associated therewith for the automobile producer, andsecondly causes pollution of the environment. Pollution of theenvironment derives by way of example from solvent constituents releasedfrom the paints used, and also from accumulation of paint residues,which have to follow correct disposal routes.

Another factor is that painting has only limited suitability fordecorating the surfaces of plastics components, which in recent yearshave become more popular in automobile construction, because of thesaving in weight and cost.

The process of painting plastics components which are components ofbodywork can, for example, be carried out on-line, the plastics partbeing subjected to a paint treatment identical with that for themetallic components. This leads to a uniform color, but is attended byhigh temperatures resulting from the cathodic electrodeposition methodconventional here, and this makes the selection of material moredifficult. In addition, identical adhesion of the paint formulation hasto be ensured on very different substrates. If the process of paintingthe plastics parts is carried out in a separate step (known as off-linepainting), comprising process conditions more advantageous for plastics,the problem of colormatching arises, meaning that the shade achieved onthe metal has to be matched precisely. However, the differences insubstrate and in the underlying paint formulation that can be used, andprocess conditions, make this very difficult to achieve. If there is acolor difference prescribed via the design, a serious disadvantage thatremains is provision of a second set of painting equipment for theplastics parts and the cost associated therewith, and additional timerequired for manufacture of the automobile also has to be considered.Direct use of the untreated, generally injection-molded plastics partsis aesthetically disadvantageous, because surface defects resulting fromthe process, such as weld lines, air inclusions, and also necessaryreinforcing fillers, such as glass fibers, are clearly discernible here.This is intolerable in visible regions. Consequently, improvement ofsurface quality has to be undertaken, for example in the context of apainting process, frequently requiring much work for pretreatment viapolishing and application of relatively thick layers of a primer.

One proposed solution consists in the use of multilayer plastics films,used to cover the components and then requiring no painting. The bondbetween substrate and decorating film here can be achieved via a numberof manufacturing processes. By way of example, the film can be laminatedto the substrate, or it is possible to select a process of in-moldcoating by an injection-molding process, in which the film is placed inthe injection mold during component production. The concept of a film ascarrier of decoration is also in line with a trend towardindividualization of design elements on automobiles. Specifically, thistrend leads to a wider range of models in the manufacturing process, butwith a reduction in the number of respective components manufactured perseries. The use of films permits rapid, problem-free design change, andcan therefore meet this challenge. An important factor here is that thefilm complies with the standards demanded in the automobile industrywith respect to surface properties (class A surface), solventresistance, and appearance. Films with these properties likewise havegood capability for use in the design of interior surfaces inautomobiles.

Decorative films of this type are in principle known. EP 0 949 120 A1describes by way of example decorative films with a transparent outerlayer comprising polyurethane, polyacrylate, fluoropolymer, or mixturescomprising fluoropolymer and polyacrylate. WO 94/03337 and EP 0 285 071A2 disclose similar decorative films.

The utility model DE 295 19 867 U1 describes a decorable film comprisinga copolyamide, which comprises the following monomer units: laurolactam,and also caprolactam, and/or hexamethylenediamine/dicarboxylic acid.Although these copolyamides are generally transparent and are also easyto decorate, problems constantly occur during extrusion to producemoldings or films from copolyamides of this type. In particular,deposits form on the injection mold or extrusion die or on the take-offrolls, and the necessary cleaning work often interrupts production.Furthermore, films of this type have inadequate heat resistance, andthere is therefore a risk of deformation during decoration by means ofsublimation print or thermal diffusion print. The temperature at whichdecoration has to be carried out is therefore lower than would actuallybe desirable in these processes. An excessive proportion of short-chaincomonomers moreover leads to undesirably high water absorption of thefilms produced therefrom, causing unacceptable warpage of the finishedparts on exposure to moisture. One application sector for decorativefilms is as carriers of decoration for example for topcoats of sportsequipment, such as skis or snowboards, or of household items. Here,single-layer films are often used, printed on the top- or underside.

In the article by M. Beyer and J. Lohmar, Kunststoffe 90 (2000) 1, pp98-101, examples of printable films comprising PA12 molding compositionsare given, but films of this kind have disadvantages with regard tosurface gloss and inadequate heat resistance.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It was an object of the present invention to provide a moldingcomposition which on the one hand has sufficient crystallinity toachieve adequate stress cracking resistance but which on the other handis nevertheless sufficiently transparent. Sufficient stress crackingresistance is important firstly if the moldings or films manufacturedfrom the material are also intended for decoration by screen printing orby offset printing as an additional or alternative process, and secondlyin subsequent use if the finished parts are treated with alcohol-basedcleaning compositions. Transparency must be adequate to permit reverseprinting of the film with sufficient character sharpness. Furthermore,the molding composition should at least permit markedly reduced warpage,via low water absorption.

Another substantial aspect of the underlying object consisted inproviding a polyamide molding composition which can be processed to giveitems, such as moldings or films, which have good printability byprocesses including thermal diffusion print or sublimation print. Thesethermal print processes often require that the films or moldings haveincreased heat resistance, and also that they do not have excessivewater content. In the case of the molding compositions underconsideration here, the heat resistance correlates with the crystallitemelting point T_(m); a T_(m) of at least 180° C. is desirable for thesethermal print processes. Excessively low heat resistances becomeapparent in warpage or deformation of the moldings or films to beprinted. On the other hand, lowering of the sublimation temperatureimpairs contrast and character sharpness of the printed image, becausethe ink does not then penetrate sufficiently deeply into the film. Ifthe films or moldings absorb too much moisture, undesired blistering canoccur in thermal diffusion print. It is self-evident to the personskilled in the art that superficial ink residues that have not diffusedinto the material cannot be permitted to impair firm adhesive bonding tothe substrate, e.g. to the ski body, or to impair capability for in-moldcoating by an injection-molding process.

The printed item is often required to have a certain surface gloss, andno impairment of this can be permitted on exposure to cleaners, or evensimply on mechanical abrasion of the items. Furthermore, exposure tomechanical effects such as shock, impact, scratching, or flexuralcycles, cannot be permitted to cause formation or propagation of cracks,because, especially in the case of parts in-mold coated by aninjection-molding process, or in the case of multilayer films, cracks ofthis type can propagate within the layers situated thereunder and canthus cause breakdown of the part.

The above objects and other objects have been achieved by the presentinvention the first embodiment of which includes a polyamide moldingcomposition, comprising:

a) at most 90 parts by weight of a polyamide obtained from a lactam orfrom an amino carboxylic acid having at least 10 carbon atoms; and

b) from 10 to 100 parts by weight of PA1010, wherein a total ofcomponents a) and b) is 100 parts by weight.

In another embodiment, the present invention relates to a printable orprinted item, comprising the above molding composition.

In yet another embodiment, the present invention relates to a compositepart, comprising the above printable or printed item, and a substrate.

The present invention also relates to a process for producing acomposite part as above, comprising:

producing the composite part via adhesive bonding, coextrusion,pressing, lamination, or in-mold coating by an injection-molding,compression-molding, or foaming process, and optionally, via subsequentforming.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Surprisingly, the objects of the present invention were achieved via theuse of a polyamide molding composition which comprises the followingcomponents:

a) at most 90 parts by weight of a polyamide obtainable from a lactam orfrom an amino carboxylic acid having at least 10 carbon atoms; and

b) from 10 to 100 parts by weight of PA1010, where components a) and b)give a total of 100 parts by weight, for production of a printable orprinted item.

The amount of component a) includes all values and subvaluestherebetween, especially including 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70 and 80parts by weight. The amount of component b) includes all values andsubvalues therebetween, especially including 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70,80 and 90 parts by weight.

In one preferred embodiment, the printable or printed item is a single-or multilayer film. However, other products suitable in principle forprinting, e.g. by the thermal diffusion process, are injection-moldedparts, and also hollow products manufactured via blow molding.

The present invention also provides the items produced from this moldingcomposition; semifinished products, such as thermoplastically formablefilms for subsequent in-mold coating by an injection-molding or foamingprocess, are also provided by the present invention.

The polyamide used as component a) is generally PA10, PA11, or PA12. Inone preferred embodiment, its amount present in the molding compositionis at least 0.1 part by weight, at least 1 part by weight, at least 5parts by weight, or at least 10 parts by weight.

In one preferred embodiment, the crystallite melting point T_(m), of thepolyamide molding composition is in the range from 180 to 210° C.,particularly preferably in the range from 185 to 205° C., and withparticular preference in the range from 190 to 200° C. The crystallitemelting point T_(m) includes all values and subvalues therebetween,especially including 185, 190, 195, 200 and 205° C. When component a) ispresent, it is possible to discern a second crystallite melting pointderiving therefrom; there may be some or complete coalescence of the twocrystallite melting points. The enthalpy of fusion of the polyamideblend is moreover preferably at least 50 J/g, particularly preferably atleast 60 J/g, and with particular preference at least 70 J/g. T_(m) andenthalpy of fusion are determined in the 2nd heating curve with aheating rate of 20 K/min, via DSC to ISO 11357.

The relative solution viscosity η_(rel) of the polyamide blend, measuredon a 0.5% strength by weight solution in m-cresol at 23° C. to ISO 307,is generally from about 1.5 to about 2.5, preferably from about 1.7 toabout 2.2, and particularly preferably from about 1.8 to about 2.1. Therelative solution viscosity η_(rel) includes all values and subvaluestherebetween, especially including 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2.0, 2.1, 2.2,2.3 and 2.4. In one preferred embodiment, the melt viscosity, measuredin a mechanical spectrometer (cone-and-plate) to ASTM D4440 at 240° C.and at a shear rate of 100s⁻¹, is from 250 to 10 000 Pas, preferablyfrom 350 to 8 000 Pas, and particularly preferably from 500 to 5 000Pas. The melt viscosity includes all values and subvalues therebetween,especially including 500, 1000, 1500, 2000, 2500, 3000, 3500, 4000,4500, 5000, 5500, 6000, 6500, 7000, 7500, 8000, 8500, 9000 and 9500 Pas.

The molding composition may optionally comprise other components, suchas the familiar auxiliaries and additives, the amounts of these beingthose conventional in polyamide molding compositions, examples beingstabilizers, lubricants, dyes, or nucleating agents.

This molding composition can be used for production of items, such asmoldings or films, and these are also provided by the present invention.In one preferred embodiment, the thickness of the films or multilayerfilms is from 0.02 to 1.2 mm, particularly preferably from 0.05 to 1 mm,very particularly preferably from 0.1 to 0.8 mm, and with particularpreference from 0.2 to 0.6 mm. The thickness of the films or multilayerfilms includes all values and subvalues therebetween, especiallyincluding 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1 and 1.1mm. If the material is a multilayer film, in one preferred embodimentthe thickness of the layer comprising the inventive molding composition,generally the outer layer, is from 0.01 to 0.5 mm, particularlypreferably from 0.02 to 0.3 mm, very particularly preferably from 0.04to 0.2 mm, and with particular preference from 0.05 to 0.15 mm. The filmis produced by means of known methods, such as extrusion, or, in thecase of multilayer systems, via coextrusion or lamination.

The following embodiments are preferred in the case of a multilayerfilm:

1. The multilayer film comprises a further layer comprising a polyamideelastomer molding composition, in particular of a polyetheramide or of apolyetheresteramide, and preferably of a polyetheramide orpolyetheresteramide on the basis of a linear aliphatic diamine havingfrom 6 to 18, preferably from 6 to 12 carbon atoms, a linear aliphaticor an aromatic dicarboxylic acid having from 6 to 18, preferably from 6to 12 carbon atoms, and of a polyether having an average of more than2.3 carbon atoms per oxygen atom and having a number-average molecularweight of from 200 to 2000. The number-average molecular weight includesall values and subvalues therebetween, especially including 300, 400,500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 1100, 1200, 1300, 1400, 1500, 1600, 1700,1800 and 1900. The molding composition of this layer may comprise otherblend components, e.g. polyacrylates or polyglutarimides having carboxyor carboxylic anhydride groups or epoxy groups, a rubber containingfunctional groups, and/or a polyamide. Molding compositions of this typeare described by way of example in EP 1 329 481 A2 and DE-A 103 33 005,expressly incorporated herein by way of reference. In order to ensuregood layer adhesion it is advantageous here for the polyamide content ofthe polyamide elastomer to comprise monomers identical with those usedin component a) or b) of the other layer.

2. The multilayer film comprises an adhesion promoter layer for linkageto the substrate or for bonding within the multilayer film structure,for example a polyolefin functionalized with carboxy groups or withanhydride groups or with epoxy groups, a blend comprising theundermost-layer material and of the substrate material, or athermoplastic polyurethane.

3. The undermost layer of the film comprises a hard backing layer, e.g.comprising an aliphatic or cycloaliphatic homo- or copolyamide or of apolymethacrylate copolymer or polymethacrylimide copolymer, and thislayer inhibits expression of glass fibers or carbon fibers when afiber-filled molding composition is used for in-mold coating by aninjection-molding process.

These embodiments may also be combined with one another. It ispreferable that the layer comprising the polyamide blend used accordingto the present invention forms the outer layer. If necessary, forexample if there are increased scratch resistance requirements, thisouter layer may, if appropriate, also have a protective layer, forexample a polyurethane-based clear lacquer. It may also, if appropriate,have been covered with an assembly film which is peeled away afterproduction of the finished part.

The moldings to be decorated with this film can be produced separatelyin an upstream manufacturing step, e.g. via injection molding, or can beproduced via in-mold coating of an unprinted or printed film, by aninjection-molding or foaming process; in this case, the imprinted orprinted film is placed in the injection mold.

The second layer which is the underlayer or which, if there are morethan 2 layers, is one of the underlayers, may be a colorless transparentlayer, a transparent colored layer, or else an opaque colored layer, inorder to permit generation of specific design variants in combinationwith the transparent outer layer. In these cases, the transparent outerlayer can also be printed from the upper side.

In a preferred embodiment, the film is a decorative film. For thepurposes of the present invention, decorative films are films which canbe printed and/or comprise a color layer, and moreover are intended forbonding to a substrate in order to decorate its surface. The decorationcan also be brought about by using a lamination process on visualsurface defects, e.g. by hiding surface roughness deriving from fillersor from reinforcing materials.

Examples of the use of the films are as protective film with respect tosoiling, UV radiation, weathering effects, chemicals, or abrasion, asbarrier film on vehicles, in the household, on floors, on tunnels, ontents, and on buildings, or as a carrier for decorative effects, forexample for topcoats on sports equipment, or internal or externaldecoration on motor vehicles, on boats, in the household, or onbuildings. These possible uses also apply to cases in which the moldingcomposition is an opaque colored composition. Examples of methods forproducing the cohesive bond between film and substrate are adhesivebonding, pressing, lamination, coextrusion, or in-mold coating by aninjection-molding, foaming, or compression-molding process. To achieveimproved adhesion, the film may be pre-flame-treated orpre-plasma-treated, for example. Prior to formation of the bond betweenfilm and substrate, the film can also be subjected to forming or toother operations, for example via thermoforming or other processes. Byway of example, the surface can be structured via embossing. Structuringof the surface is also possible upstream in the context of filmextrusion, for example via specifically designed rolls. The resultantcomposite part can then again be subjected to forming processes.

Examples of suitable substrates are molding compositions based onpolyolefins, on polyamides, on polyesters, on polycarbonates, on ABS, onpolystyrene, or on styrene copolymers.

In one preferred embodiment, the inventive film is used as outer layerof a film composite for the design or decoration of surfaces on or inautomobiles and utility vehicles, the film having been adhesive-bondedto a plastics substrate. The correspondingly designed component can beof sheet-like shape, examples being a bodywork part, such as a roofmodule, wheel surround, engine cover, or door. Other preferredembodiments are those in which elongate components with a relativelyhigh or relatively low degree of curvature are produced, examples beingcladding, such as the cladding of what are known as A columns on anautomobile, or decorative and cover strips of any kind. Protectivecladding for doorsteps are another example. Alongside applications inmotor vehicle exteriors, it is also possible to use the inventive filmsto decorate constituents of the interior with advantage, particularexamples being decorative elements such as strips and panels, becausegood decoratability and resistance to chemicals, such as cleaners, isalso required in the interior.

In another preferred embodiment, the inventive film is used as topcoatfor any type of snowboard-like equipment, such as skis or snowboards.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,437,755 describes a known process for applying decoratedski topcoats. In this process, the ski is produced by what is known asthe monocoque system, the topcoat initially comprising two plasticsfilms of which the outer is transparent and the inner is opaque (white).Before the two films are adhesive-bonded to one another, and before thesubsequent thermoforming process, the outer side of the transparentupper film and one of the subsequent contact surfaces between thetransparent upper film and the opaque lower film are printed withvarious decorative effects. Suitable plastics stated for the upper filmare acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer (ABS),acrylonitrile-styrene copolymer (AS), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU),and aliphatic polyamides, particularly PA11 and PA12. Materialsdescribed only for the lower film, which is protected from externaleffects and is not always printed, are copolyamides, alongsidepolyetheramides, polyetheramides, modified polyolefins, andstyrene-carboxylic anhydride copolymers. However, any of the other knownshaping and adhesive-bonding processes may be used to bond the topcoatto the ski or snowboard.

If a monofilm is used, this is transparent and is preferablyunderside-printed, and in this case a white adhesive or, if appropriate,an adhesive of different color, is used as optical background forbonding the film to the ski.

If a coextruded two-layer film is used, this preferably comprises atransparent overlayer and a white- or color-pigmented underlayer asbackground, the upper side of the film having been printed.

Having generally described this invention, a further understanding canbe obtained by reference to certain specific examples which are providedherein for purposes of illustration only, and are not intended to belimiting unless otherwise specified.

EXAMPLES

Examples are used below to illustrate the invention. The preparation ofthe individual underlying polyamides is known to the person skilled inthe art and takes place by way of example as in DE-A 20 44 105 (PA1010or PA11), and DE-A 21 52 194 (PA12, and copolyamides).

Inventive Example 1

To prepare a PA 1010, a 200-1 stirred autoclave was supplied with thefollowing starting materials:

35.976 kg of 1,10-decanediamine (in the form of an 89.5% strengthaqueous solution),

38.251 kg of sebacic acid, and also

8.5 g of a 50% strength aqueous solution of hypophosphorous acid(corresponds to 0.006% by weight).

The starting materials were melted under nitrogen and heated, withstirring, to about 220° C. in the sealed autoclave, the resultantinternal pressure being about 20 bar. This internal pressure wasmaintained for 2 hours; the melt was then further heated to 270° C. withcontinuous depressurization to atmospheric pressure, and then kept atthis temperature in a stream of nitrogen for 1.5 hours. The system wasthen depressurized to atmospheric pressure within a period of 3 hours,and nitrogen was passed over the melt for a further 3 hours until thetorque indicated no further rise in melt viscosity. The melt was thendischarged by means of a gear pump and strand-pelletized. The pelletswere dried at 80° C. under nitrogen for 24 hours.

Yield: 65 kg

The properties of the product were as follows:

Crystallite melting point T_(m): 192° C. and 204° C.

Enthalpy of fusion: 78 J/g

Relative solution viscosity η_(rel): 1.76

Inventive Example 2

In an identical reactor, Inventive Example 1 was repeated with thefollowing starting materials:

35.976 kg of 1,10-decanediamine (in the form of an 89.5% strengthaqueous solution),

38.251 kg of sebacic acid, and also

8.5 g of a 50% strength aqueous solution of hypophosphorous acid(corresponds to 0.006% by weight).

Yield: 63 kg

The properties of the product were as follows:

Crystallite melting point T_(m): 191° C. and 203° C.

Enthalpy of fusion: 73 J/g

Relative solution viscosity η_(rel): 1.81

To raise the relative solution viscosity to 2.23, the pellets dischargedwere solid-phase-postcondensed under nitrogen for 24 hours in a tumblingdryer with jacket temperature of 165° C.

Comparative Example 1

A copolyamide was prepared as in the known art, comprising 80 mol % oflaurolactam and 20 mol % of caprolactam. The relative solution viscosityη_(rel) was 1.9.

Crystallite melting point T_(m): 158° C.

Enthalpy of fusion: 46 J/g

Comparative Example 2

A copolyamide was prepared as in the known art, comprising 80 mol % oflaurolactam and 20 mol % of an equimolar mixture comprisinghexamethylenediamine and 1,12 dodecanedioic acid, its η_(rel) being1.89.

Crystallite melting point T_(m): 155° C.

Enthalpy of fusion: 42 J/g

Comparative Example 3

A copolyamide was prepared as in the known art, comprising 85 mol % oflaurolactam, 7.5 mol % of isophoronediamine, and 7.5 mol % of1,12-dodecanedioic acid, its η_(rel) being 1.85.

Crystallite melting point T_(m): 158° C.

Enthalpy of fusion: 54 J/g

Comparative Example 4

A homopolyamide was prepared, comprising laurolactam, its η_(rel) being1.95.

Crystallite melting point T_(m): 178° C.

Enthalpy of fusion: 73 J/g

Inventive Example 3

Blend comprising PA1010+PA12 30/70% by weight

The pellets from Inventive Example 1 and Comparative Example 4 weremixed with 0.5% by weight of thebis(3,5-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenylcinnamic) amide ofhexamethylenediamine (IRGANOX 1098® from Ciba Additives GmbH) and meltedin a Werner & Pfleiderer ZSK 30 twin-screw extruder with a barreltemperature of 250° C. and a rotation rate of 250 rpm.

The properties of the polyamide mixture were as follows:

Crystallite melting point T_(m): 171° C. and 190° C.

Enthalpy of fusion: 65 J/g

Relative solution viscosity η_(rel): 1.96

Inventive Examples 4 to 7

The following blends were prepared by analogy with Inventive Example 3:

Inventive PA1010 + PA12 Rel. solution Melting point Enthalpy of Example[% by weight] viscosity η_(rel) T_(m) [° C.] fusion [J/g] 4 20/80 1.99172/185 61 5 40/60 1.96 168/190 63 6 50/50 1.93 179/192 67 7 60/40 1.88161/187/197 74

Inventive Examples 8 and 9

By analogy with Inventive Example 3, the following blends were prepared,comprising PA1010 of Inventive Example 2 and PA11 of relative solutionviscosity η_(rel) 1.80:

Inventive PA1010 + PA11 Rel. solution Melting point Enthalpy of Example[% by weight] viscosity η_(rel) T_(m) [° C.] fusion [J/g] 8 30/70 1.80179/187 64 9 70/30 1.80 165/189 73

A Collin film system was used to extrude, print, and assess films ofthickness 0.3 mm comprising the products of Inventive Examples 1-9, andalso of the Comparative Examples 1-4. Gloss was determined on 1 mminjection-molded plaques. The results are shown in the table below.

In the case of the molding compositions with poor processability, severewarpage was noticeable via the slow post-crystallization.

The monofilms of thickness 300 μm produced by way of the calender methodwere printed by way of the sublimation printing process. For this, atransfer paper (Accuplot EPQ DIN A4, or EPSON Photo quality DIN A4) wasprinted with a mirror image of the desired print motif, usingsublimation inks (Rotech, Printer: EPSON C84), and its printed side wasplaced on the film to be printed. The print procedure was carried out[at T=145° C. to 175° C., t=2 to 5 min; p(pressure)=1.1 N/cm (110 mbar)]in a temperature-controlled press by closing the press (Meyer HM benchfixing press), only the upper press platen being temperature-controlledhere. The print procedure concluded with removal of the film and removalof the transfer paper.

TABLE Assessment of molding compositions Gloss Printing Moldingcomposition Processability on film (angle of incidence(temperature/time); composed of Transparency extrusion 20°) charactersharpness Contrast Comparative good poor, severe warpage 80 145° C./10min moderate Example 1 Comparative good poor, severe warpage 85 145°C./10 min moderate Example 2 Comparative good poor, severe warpage 95145° C./10 min moderate Example 3 Comparative poor moderate, warpage 90160° C./5 min good Example 4 Inventive Examples 1 very good good 95 175°C./2 min very good and 2 Inventive Examples 3 very good good 100-125175° C./2 min very good to 9

All of the films from Inventive Examples 1 to 9 could be decorated bymeans of thermal diffusion print, but the films of Comparative Examples1 to 4 were deformed to some extent during the process. A surprisinglyhigh gloss was found in Inventive Examples 1 to 9.

German patent application 10 2005 026 264.3 filed Jun. 8, 2005, isincorporated herein by reference.

Numerous modifications and variations on the present invention arepossible in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to beunderstood that within the scope of the appended claims, the inventionmay be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein.

1. A composite part, comprising: a printable or printed item which is asingle- or multilayer film, and a substrate, wherein the printable orprinted item comprises a polyamide molding composition comprising: a) atmost 90 parts by weight of a polyamide obtained from a lactam or from anamino carboxylic acid having at least 10 carbon atoms; and b) from 10 to100 parts by weight of PA1010, wherein a total of components a) and b)is 100 parts by weight.
 2. The composite part of claim 1, wherein thepolyamide molding composition comprises PA10, PA11, or PA12 as thecomponent a).
 3. The composite part of claim 1, wherein the polyamidemolding composition has a crystallite melting point T_(m) of at least180° C.
 4. The composite part of claim 1, wherein the polyamide moldingcomposition has a crystallite melting point T_(m) of at least 190° C. 5.The composite part of claim 1, wherein the polyamide molding compositionhas a crystallite melting point T_(m) of at least 195° C.
 6. Thecomposite part of claim 1, wherein the printable or printed item isobtained via extrusion, blow molding, or injection molding.
 7. Thecomposite part of claim 1, wherein the printable or printed item has athickness of from 0.02 to 1.2 mm.
 8. The composite part of claim 1,wherein the printable or printed item comprises at least one otherunderlayer, wherein each underlayer is independently selected from thegroup of a polyamide elastomer, polyamide, copolyamide, adhesionpromoter, and mixtures thereof.
 9. The composite part of claim 8,wherein the at least one of the underlayers is transparent or opaque.10. The composite part of claim 1, wherein the printable or printed itemis a multilayer film and a thickness of the layer comprising the moldingcomposition is from 0.01 to 0.5 mm.
 11. The composite part of claim 1,comprising the printable item.
 12. The composite part of claim 1,comprising the printed item.
 13. The composite part of claim 1, which isa single layer film.
 14. The composite part of claim 1, which is a multilayer film.
 15. The composite part of claim 1, wherein the polyamidemolding composition comprises at least 1 part by weight of the componenta).
 16. The composite part of claim 1, wherein the polyamide moldingcomposition comprises at least 5 part by weight of the component a). 17.The composite part of claim 1, wherein the polyamide molding compositioncomprises at least 10 part by weight of the component a).
 18. Thecomposite part of claim 2, wherein the component a) is PA 12 and ispresent in an amount of from 40 to 80 parts by weight.
 19. The compositepart of claim 2, wherein the component a) is PA 11 and is present in anamount of from 30 to 70 parts by weight.
 20. The composite part of claim2, wherein the lactam has at least 10 carbon atoms.
 21. A motor vehicleinterior or a bodywork part of a motor vehicle, comprising the compositepart according to claim 1.